IAF Considers Taking Russia’s Help To Upgrade Sukhoi Su-30’s Weapon Systems And Avionics

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is mulling on the possibility of upgrading the avionics and the weapon systems of its Sukhoi Su-30 MKI aircraft with the help of Russia to make the frontline fighter of IAF more lethal, reports Zee News.

Expressing satisfaction over the modernisation and upgrade of the MiG-21, MiG-27 and MiG-29 fighters, the IAF chief Birendra Singh Dhanoa, who was in Russia from 9 to 12 July, said that the air force is now considering the possibility of upgrading Sukhoi Su-30 MKI aircraft.

"We are very pleased with the programme to upgrade the MiG-21, MiG-27 and MiG-29. Now they have more modern weapons systems and avionics. In recent exercises, we used them and were very pleased with the results,” Air Chief Dhanoa said while speaking to the Russian Defence Ministry’s official newspaper.

“Therefore, we are now considering the possibility of upgrading the Su-30, which we have been operating for about 20 years. Accordingly, their avionics and weapons systems also require modernisation. We have requested from the Russian side proposals for modernisation in accordance with current needs," the Air chief added.

Russia has been the largest supplier of military equipment and defence hardware to India.

The IAF chief also said that India and Russia can join hands for the production of components and spare parts locally to reduce time costs and compact the production cycle.